Aching Joints Need Care
December 15, 2009 in Fitness
When we sit, stand or kneel, our bodies move without a great deal of thought. For people with osteoarthritis, movement becomes a problem.Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, attacks the cartilage, a rubbery tissue that covers the end of the bones between your weight-bearing joints. It provides a smooth surface so that bones move easily. As osteoarthritis progresses, cartilage wears and the underlying bone becomes compressed and irregular. Instead of moving smoothly together, rough joint surfaces rub against each other.
“Pain and stiffness may be the earliest symptoms of osteoarthritis,” says Jonathan Braslow, medical director of the Arthritis Institute at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital. Dr. Braslow is a board certified physician caring for hundreds of patients annually, including many elective surgeries for part-time residents and visitors. He pioneered the “Uni-knee” partial knee-replacement procedure.
He adds:”Your range of motion in the affected joint may be limited. Inflammation can occur after excessive use of the affected joint. Your feet, knees and hips are most susceptible because they bear most of your weight.”
To diagnose osteoarthritis, your doctor will do a thorough history and physical exam. Xrays help show damage to the joints. Blood tests and other laboratory tests help rule out other types of arthritis. Your doctor may prescribe a treatment plan to provide pain relief, increase motion and improve your strength. Some treatment options include:
Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce pain and inflammation. The type and strength of the medication depend on your specific diagnosis, disease severity and physical health. New medications are introduced regularly, so work with your doctor to find what works best for you.
Sometimes, cortisone injected directly into a joint may help relieve pain and swelling for a time. However, frequent injections into the same joint can cause further damage and have undesirable side effects.
Diet and Exercise: Eat a well-balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fiber. Losing excess weight can reduce the stress on your joints. A sensible exercise plan can reduce pain and prevent disability.
Surgery: Under certain conditions a “partial” knee replacement may be indicated. Here, only “half” of the knee joint is replaced and most of the soft-tissue is preserved. This procedure is often less invasive and recovery can be smoother. Recently, surgeons have been performing “minimally invasive” or MIS “Uni” procedures. The relatively small implants and the need for less exposure allows for a smaller incision and less invasive procedure compared to a total knee replacement. However, in order to be a candidate, joint degeneration is usually limited (your doctor must determine if a “uni-knee” is indicated). If other treatments fail, your physician may recommend total joint replacement surgery to replace the worn joint and cartilage with a prosthesis. In general, these replacement joints last for 10 or more years. Joint-replacement surgery is successful in 90 percent of the cases.
So, how do you know what treatment is best for you? Talk with your doctor about a treatment plan. As your treatment progresses, your doctor may adjust your medication, diet or exercise program. Keep your doctor informed about your symptoms, general health and problems with medications.
Article provided to the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce – GEM Publication December 2005 page 15.
